Lonza Group Ltd. announced the appointment of Sven Abend to its Executive Committee (EC), effective July 1, 2014. Abend, currently CEO of Kolb Ltd., will have primary responsibilities for corporate strategy and business development, as well as Consumer Care and Industrial Solutions, and will ensure the focused delivery of Lonza’s growth strategy.

Beat In-Albon will remain COO for the Specialty Ingredients segment, focusing particularly on Agro Ingredients, Water Treatment and Wood Protection. In-Albon and Sven Abend will work closely together to ensure the alignment of the Specialty Ingredients segment.

“Sven has a strong track record in establishing sustainable, profitable growth in challenging specialty markets,” said Richard Ridinger, CEO of Lonza, in a press statement. “His market-driven approach to business will align and reinforce our strategic goals for global growth. We’ll benefit from Sven’s scientific background and diverse experience in supplying chemicals and ingredients to fast-moving consumer goods markets and various industrial markets.”

Abend received his PhD in Chemistry from the Christian-Albrechts-Universität in Kiel, Germany, and worked on his post-doctorate at the State University of New York in Stony Brook, New York. He began his career as a scientist with Unilever’s Home & Personal Care division. After moving to Cognis, he rapidly advanced, including roles in product and portfolio management and global key account management. At Kolb, he was appointed as CEO in 2012.